Strong, lightweight digital radiography (dr) imager protector

ABSTRACT

A strong, lightweight protector for digital radiography imagers may be used to take hip, pelvis or chest X-ray images of a bedridden patient weighing in excess of 400 pounds. A rigid sleeve or case has rectangular top and bottom panels and at least two opposing side panels fanning an interior cavity accessible through a slot. The slot has a height in the range of 0.5 to 2 inches and a width in the range of 18 to 24 inches, with the interior cavity having a depth in the range of 18 to 24 inches. All of the panels are made of radiolucent material. The panels are made of lightweight foam covered with carbon fiber and resin. A back portion may be provided such that the interior cavity is only accessible through the slot. An optional carrying handle may extend from one of the sides panels.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to digital radiography (DR) and, in particular, to a strong, lightweight protector for DR imager panels.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In digital radiography or “DR,” digital x-ray sensors are used instead of photographic film. In place of x-ray film, a digital image capture device is used to record the image and make it available as a digital file that can be presented for interpretation and saved as part of the patient's medical record. Besides the lack of chemical processing, the advantages of DR over film include immediate image preview and availability, a wider dynamic range which makes it more forgiving for over- and under-exposure as well as the ability to apply special image processing techniques that enhance overall display of the image.

A number of companies produce DR equipment, including Canon, Siemens, Toshiba, GE, Philips, Shimadzu, Quantum, and Trixell. In such systems, the flat panel detector is tethered to an image management system including a digital image processing unit and display device with viewer operated controls. A comprehensive system typically further includes image and data storage devices, an interface to a patient information system, and a network interface for remote communications.

The flat panel detector is a costly device, with prices currently in the $50-100 thousand range. As such, the panels must be treated with care to avoid damage or replacement. While there are various portable DR panel protectors for standing patients (See www.clearimagedevices.com), these have four reinforced sidewalls and are not intended for bedridden patients.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention resides in a protector for digital radiography imagers which may be used to take hip, pelvis or chest X-ray images of a bedridden patient. In the preferred embodiment, the protector is in the form of a rigid sleeve or case having rectangular top and bottom panels and at least two opposing side panels forming an interior cavity accessible through a slot. In one embodiment the slot has a height in the range of 0.5 to 2 inches and a width in the range of 18 to 24 inches, with the interior cavity having a depth in the range of 18 to 24 inches.

All of the panels are made of radiolucent material. In the preferred embodiment the panels are made of lightweight foam covered with carbon fiber and resin. The preferred embodiment further includes a back portion such that the interior cavity is only accessible through the slot. An optional carrying handle may extend from one of the sides panels.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an oblique view of the preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a front view;

FIG. 4 is a side view; and

FIG. 5 is a back view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention resides in a strong, lightweight protector for digital radiography (flat panel) DR imagers. FIG. 1 is an oblique view of the preferred embodiment of the invention, depicted generally at 102. The article is made of lightweight, strong, germ-resistant materials. The basic structure is constructed of lightweight foam which is covered with non-porous carbon fiber and resin. In the preferred construction, the article is made in two half-portions which are bonded together. Being x-ray lucent, the foam/carbon-fiber construction allows x-rays to pass through the protector with no significant absorption or scattering.

The article 102 has upper and lower panels 104, 106, side panels 108, 110, and a back panel 112. The back panel 112 adds strength but is optional, and may be perforated or intermittent as opposed to solid. An optional handle 105 is preferably provided as shown, which need not be radiolucent.

A set of preferred dimensions is provided in the Figures. The various panels create a forward slot 111 having a height of approximately 1.75 inches and a width of 19 inches. The slot forms an entrance into a cavity having a width of 19 inches and a depth of 20 inches to accommodate currently available DR panels. As technology progresses, smaller slots may be possible for example, with heights less than 1.75 inches, including heights of 1.5, 1.25, 1.0, 0.75 or 0.5 inch. The cavity may be smaller or larger as well depending upon the imager and technology used. For example, the cavity may have a width and depth in the range of 12 to 24 inches or more for larger patients.

The carbon fiber construction allows the protector to be used to take hip, pelvis or chest X-ray images of a bedridden patient weighing up to 450 pounds. In use, the protector sleeve is placed under the patient and the DR panel in slid into the slot. The height of the slot also accommodates the grid used in typical procedures. The protector works with most DR systems, including those offered by Canon, GE Healthcare, Philips, Quantum, Siemens, Shimadzu, Toshiba, and Trixell. 

1. A protector for digital radiography imagers placed under a patient, including overweight patients, comprising: rectangular top and bottom panels and at least two opposing side panels foaming an interior cavity accessible through a slot having a height in the range of 0.5 to 2 inches and a width in the range of 18 to 24 inches; the interior cavity having a depth in the range of 18 to 24 inches; and wherein all of the panels are made of a rigid radiolucent material.
 2. The protector of claim 1, wherein all of the panels are made of lightweight foam covered with carbon fiber and resin.
 3. The carrier sleeve of claim 1, further including a back portion such that the interior cavity is only accessible through the slot.
 4. The carrier sleeve of claim 1, further including a carrying handle extending from one of the sides panels.
 5. The carrier sleeve of claim 1, wherein the side panels are thicker than the top and bottom panels.
 6. The carrier sleeve of claim 1, wherein the top and bottom panels are 0.25 inches thick. 